A river cruiser has been left gutted after it went up in flames while moored on the Regent’s Canal.

The London Fire Brigade were called to the canal, close to Corbridge Crescent, Hackney on the afternoon of 7 December 2016.

Thick, black smoke could be seen billowing from the 20-foot boat, which was well alight.

Three fire engines and a fire rescue unit from Bethnal Green, Homerton and Whitechapel attended the scene and the fire was put out after around 45 minutes.

It is not thought that anyone was on board at the time of the incident.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is now underway.

Several pictures of the dramatic fire were posted on social media, and shared by the London Fire Brigade.

In a statement, London Fire Brigade said: “Three fire engines and fire rescue unit were called to a boat alight on Regent’s Canal, close to Corbridge Crescent in Hackney. A river cruiser was gutted by the blaze.”

“The Brigade was called at 1448 and the fire was under control at 1528. Fire crews from Bethnal Green, Homerton and Whitechapel fire stations and a fire rescue unit from Bethnal Green attended the scene,” continued the statement.